Morton West High School

Can you hear the echoes of pep rallies past at Morton West High School? Here in Berwyn, Morton West stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to education. Morton West High School opened its doors in 1958. This marked a pivotal moment for the district. It ended three decades of overcrowded classrooms and split shifts at Morton East High School. The new building, a beacon of hope for the burgeoning community, provided much-needed space and resources. Imagine the excitement as students walked these halls for the first time. No more cramped quarters, no more shuffling between morning and afternoon sessions. Morton West ushered in a new era. One of the initial challenges was the Illinois Central Railroad tracks. They sliced through the community, posing a safety risk for students. The city of Berwyn, recognizing this, collaborated with the railroad. Together, they built a pedestrian underpass so students could safely reach their new school. The community’s dedication didn’t end there. In the 1960s, Morton West High School expanded. Two new wings, F-hall and W-hall, were added to accommodate a growing student body. Later, in the late 1990s, both W-hall and M-hall received further additions, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to providing adequate learning spaces. Even a freshman-specific extension to W-hall was built in the late 2010s. Morton West High School hasn’t just been a place of academics; it’s been a stage for both local and national events. In 1995, the school was at the center of a national news story regarding a student’s flag burning incident. This event highlighted the importance of dialogue and understanding, leading to the formation of a student-led Conflict Resolution Committee. Then, in 2007, Morton West again made national headlines. Twenty-five students staged a sit-in, protesting the presence of military recruiters on campus. This resulted in suspensions and even expulsion recommendations. The incident sparked further protests and drew attention from organizations like Rainbow/PUSH. Ultimately, the expulsions were retracted, highlighting the power of student activism. Today, Morton West High School continues to serve the community, offering a diverse curriculum and a range of extracurricular activities. It stands as a reminder of the power of community, the importance of education, and the enduring spirit of its students.